Summary
In 1956, director Karel Steklý filmed an adaptation of the classic Jaroslav Hašek novel Dobrý voják Švejk (The Good Soldier Švejk). A year later, this was followed by a sequel, in which Rudolf Hrušínský once again excels in the iconic lead role. This time, the indomitable hero – Josef Švejk – is up in arms over the absurd machinery of the Austro-Hungarian army. He then gets lost during a train journey, leading to some colourful adventures culminating in the city of České Budějovice. Ultimately, however, Švejk rejoins the front and his superior officer – First Lieutenant Lukáš (Svatopluk Beneš). Even in the heat of battle, Švejk fails to lose his optimistic take on life, refined dimwittedness and ability to contrive the most curious scenes of confusion and chaos. Unlike in the written work, the protagonist also takes on board the spirit of the communist-era 1950s, becoming a jovial “man of the people” in the process. Steklý’s superbly cast film has risen to become a timeless classic, exuding style, elegance, and also carrying an anti-war message, which managed to sneak out even in the repressive climate of the time.
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